A Culinary Sojourn Through Sedona: Mariposa, Pisa Lisa, and Butterfly Burger

When in Sedona, it’s impossible to ignore the magnetic pull of Lisa Dahl’s restaurants. Each one tells a story—of flavor, of passion, of place. Whether you’re after a refined Latin-inspired meal, a rustic Neapolitan slice, or a wildly creative gourmet burger, Dahl’s trio of culinary landmarks—Mariposa, Pisa Lisa, and Butterfly Burger—deliver unforgettable experiences.

Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill: A Sunset Feast for the Senses

Perched high on a bluff with panoramic red rock views, Mariposa is more than a restaurant—it’s a visual and gastronomic pilgrimage. The moment you enter, you’re swept into a world of earthy textures, dramatic architecture, and fire-kissed cuisine that’s boldly Latin with Dahl’s signature finesse.

Must-try: The Argentinean filet with chimichurri, paired with roasted Peruvian potatoes, is melt-in-your-mouth tender. And the house-made arepas? Golden, airy perfection.

Pro tip: Book a patio table before sunset. Watching the sky blaze behind Cathedral Rock with a glass of Malbec in hand is pure Sedona magic.

Pisa Lisa: Where Neapolitan Soul Meets Arizona Charm

Casual, cozy, and always buzzing, Pisa Lisa is the kind of place you crave after a day of hiking or gallery hopping. The vibe is vibrant, the wood-fired oven crackles with life, and every pizza is handcrafted with reverence.

Top pick: The Dolce Vita pizza—topped with figs, prosciutto, arugula, and gorgonzola—is a balancing act of sweet, salty, and creamy that somehow feels both indulgent and light.

Pair it with the house-made Limonata Fresca and finish off with the impossibly creamy Tiramisu.

Butterfly Burger: A Couture Burger Lounge

Leave everything you think you know about burgers at the door. Butterfly Burger is what happens when a chef obsessed with detail reimagines the American classic. Chic yet inviting, it’s equal parts steakhouse, lounge, and retro burger bar—with creative combos that flirt with the edge of culinary genius.

Fan favorite: The Hipster Burger with goat cheese, arugula, and roasted red pepper aioli on a brioche bun is a symphony of textures. Vegetarians won’t feel left out with the earthy and flavorful Butterfly Effect burger, featuring a plant-based patty with smoked cheddar and avocado.

The sleek bar pours craft cocktails like the Smoked Paprika Paloma, perfect for sipping in the plush booth seating under moody lighting.

Each restaurant reflects Lisa Dahl’s relentless creativity and soulful approach to food. You don’t just eat at her establishments—you feel something. A connection to place, to passion, to joy. Sedona has many natural wonders, but thanks to Lisa Dahl, its culinary scene is one of them.

Sedona’s Cozy Secret: A Taste of Comfort at The Hideaway House

Tucked just off the main drag in Sedona, perched above the treetops with sweeping views of the red rocks, The Hideaway House lives up to its name—a cozy, rustic-chic eatery that feels like dining in a secret treehouse. It’s where locals go when they want comfort without pretense, and where travelers stumble upon a gem that feels like home.

Vibe Check: Vintage Cabin Meets Wine Country Porch

From the moment you step in, the charm hits you. Weathered wood floors, eclectic wall art, and string lights give it an easygoing, “kick your boots off” kind of energy. The real magic? The multi-level outdoor decks. You’ll find yourself lingering, wine in hand, staring out at Snoopy Rock and wondering how a casual lunch turned into a three-hour event.

What’s on the Plate: Nostalgia with a Gourmet Twist

The Hideaway House menu is all about “casual Italian-American comfort food,” but don’t mistake it for basic. Every dish is built with heart and house-made details.

Must-try dishes:

• The “Straight Up Meat Lasagna” is layered like a labor of love—meaty, cheesy, and crisped at the edges just right.
• The “Roasted Chicken & Brie” flatbread comes with caramelized onions, tart apples, and arugula—both rustic and refined.
• For plant lovers: The Garden Veggie Sandwich with sun-dried tomato pesto and portobello mushrooms is a sleeper hit.

Pair your meal with one of their local Arizona wines or a cold craft beer—everything feels curated but not fussy.

Save Room for Dessert (Trust Me)

If you spot the house-made Bread Pudding on the chalkboard specials, do not hesitate. Served warm with a bourbon glaze and melting vanilla ice cream, it’s everything good about life in one bite.

Come for the View, Stay for the Soul

There’s something timeless about The Hideaway House. It’s not trying to impress you—it’s just quietly excellent. It’s a place where the food warms your belly and the views quiet your mind. The kind of restaurant you find once and always return to.

Whispers Among the Vines: A Slow Morning at The Secret Garden Café, Sedona

Nestled in the heart of Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, The Secret Garden Café is exactly what it sounds like—a tranquil hideaway blooming with charm, color, and culinary comfort. Dappled sunlight filters through the canopy above the patio, where café tables are tucked between ivy-covered walls, hummingbirds flutter, and the world seems to slow down.

First Impressions: A Garden Within a Gallery

Tlaquepaque is already an oasis of cobblestone pathways, Spanish architecture, and art galleries, but stepping into The Secret Garden feels like entering a secluded courtyard in old-world Europe. Mornings here are particularly dreamy: coffee cups clink, fresh herbs perfume the breeze, and conversation drifts lazily between bites.

A Menu That Marries Earthy & Elegant

The cuisine here leans health-conscious without sacrificing flavor—organic, locally-sourced ingredients shine in every dish. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, lunch, or a late brunch, the garden delivers.

Favorites worth lingering over:

• The Garden Frittata, brimming with seasonal vegetables, goat cheese, and fresh herbs, is both hearty and light.
• The Southwest Chicken Panini with green chilies and chipotle aioli is a crispy, smoky revelation.
• The Vegan Quinoa Bowl is a technicolor plate of roasted vegetables, greens, and tahini dressing—equal parts nourishing and satisfying.

And the coffee? Smooth, strong, and best sipped slowly under the shade.

The Vibe: Restorative, Not Rushed

This isn’t a place for grab-and-go. It’s where you come to catch your breath, to reflect, to write in a journal or read a book. Friendly staff, dogs welcome on the patio, and an ambiance that makes time feel suspended—it’s no wonder so many Sedona locals consider this their sanctuary.

A Hidden Gem That Feels Like a Hug

The Secret Garden Café is less about indulgence and more about intention. It feeds you, yes—but it also reminds you to sit, to savor, and to appreciate the quiet beauty of the moment. In a town filled with jaw-dropping vistas, it’s this little garden café that quietly steals your heart.

There are so many wonderful restaurants nestled in this lovely, scenic town with breathtaking views and we had a list to try to hit as many as we could. We ate at several others even if it was to grab an afternoon appetizer and drink but these were among the top ten. If you are ever in the Sedona area these restraints will not disappoint.

with love,

c.p